protected, except by a badly-constructed wall, in many places even without a parapet; while a great part of the troops within the city were of such a description that no reliance could be placed either upon their fidelity or courage: indeed, a number of these irregular troops deserted on the approach of Holkar, and others mutinied. The officer, however, in command of the garrison was Lieutenant-Colonel Burn, who was admirably calculated to contend with the difficulties of his situation, and who, in conjunction with Colonel Ochterlony, prepared to defend to every extremity the honour of the British flag.
Holkar's army amounted to about seventy thousand men; and the force which was to defend Delhi against this overwhelming host consisted of two battalions of native infantry and four companies of another; but a large proportion of these was obliged to be devoted to the protection of the palace and person of the Emperor.[1] Holkar commenced the attack with a tremendous cannonade from one hundred and thirty guns, which was continued, without intermission, day and night. It being evident that a practicable breach must soon be effected, Colonel Burn resolved to interrupt the progress of the besiegers by a sortie. This was made on the evening of the 10th of October, when a party, consisting of two hundred men of the battalion under Colonel Burn, and one hundred and fifty irregulars, commanded by Lieutenant Rose, proceeded to storm the enemy's battery. They succeeded with little difficulty in gaining possession of it, spiked the guns, and retreated with small loss.
On the 13th there appeared indications of an approaching attack of a formidable character, and preparations were made to meet it. At daybreak on the 14th the enemy's guns opened in every direction, and, under cover of the
- ↑ "The palace of Delhi is 3,000 feet long, 1,800 broad, and at one time would have held 10,000 horse. The building cost about one million sterling." – Luard's "Views in India."
